Rethinking Governance, Social Conflict and Livelihood Choices: Stories from Prieto Diaz, Philippines

Abstract

"This paper explores the role of social networks, including relationships between traditional power holders and fisherfolk using banned fishing gears, in perpetuating social strife and unsustainable resource use in the Philippines. It argues that traditional governance institutions are building on 'negative social capital' (Sol, 2003) to mitigate and reverse the many gains achieved during almost a decade of organized CBCRM efforts. The authors suggest emphasizing good governance based on understanding existing social networks and institutionalizing relationships that foster sustainable resource management and greater social equity.

"Prieto Diaz is a fishing municipality in the province of Sorsogon, Bicol, Philippines. In 1995, a local NGO working in collaboration with local government authorities initiated a CBCRM program in the municipality. This program achieved many gains in resource conservation and in 1999 the municipal government received a national award for municipal coastal resource management planning.

"The gains in resource management did not occur without accompanying social costs and political upheaval. This paper analyses the link between the decisions and actions of the municipal authorities in Prieto Diaz and the eradication and then resurgence of certain types of illegal fishing gears, including baling (a fine mesh drag net) over an 8 year period (1996-2003). It argues that poor governance, through the misuse of power through vote buying and the manipulation of local conflicts for political purposes, has perpetuated illegal and unsustainable fishing methods and halted or reversed many of the gains achieved through a highly effective CBCRM program.

"Good governance that outlasts changes in administration requires good linkages within a municipality, meta-legal strategies, advocacy and most importantly strong grassroots organizations able to mobilize social capital for environmental and social gains. This approach must recognize the impact that governance can have on livelihoods and start with an understanding of current livelihood sectors and their relationships and pre-existing conflicts with each other."